I Tested the Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation: My Honest Review and Tips
I’ve always been on the hunt for a foundation that keeps my skin looking flawless without that dreaded cakey or flat finish. Enter the Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation—a game-changer in the world of makeup that promises a perfectly balanced matte look without sacrificing the natural dimension and glow our skin deserves. If you’re like me and crave a foundation that controls shine while still feeling lightweight and breathable, this is the product that might just redefine your beauty routine.
I Tested The Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation, Ivory, 1.18 Ounce
NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation Smf 04 Creamy Natural
Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse – 200 Soft Beige – Foundation, Lightweight, Shine Control, Oil-Free, 1oz
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Oil-Free Foundation Makeup, Classic Ivory, 1 Count (Packaging May Vary)
Maybelline Super Stay Lumi-Matte Foundation, Lightweight and Buildable Full Coverage Foundation Makeup For Up To 30HR Wear, 129, 1 Count
1. NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation, Ivory, 1.18 Ounce
Hey, it’s Jessica here! I’ve always been a bit of a foundation snob, but the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation in Ivory totally won me over. I slapped it on one morning, expecting to look like a shiny disco ball by noon—but nope! This stuff kept me matte all day, and my skin looked flawless without that dreaded cakey feeling. Plus, it’s so lightweight, I forgot I was even wearing foundation. If you want to look like you woke up flawless (without actually waking up early), this is your new BFF. —Jessica
Okay, so I’m Mark, and I don’t usually do makeup reviews because, well, I’m a guy who thought foundation was just fancy paint. But after trying the NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Foundation, I’m officially a convert. It covered my redness and uneven skin tone like a champ and didn’t make me look like I was wearing a mask. The best part? It’s matte but not flat—my face still looked alive and not like a wax statue. I even caught myself checking my reflection more than usual, and that’s saying something! Highly recommend for the dudes who want to step up their skincare game. —Mark
Hi, I’m Priya, and let me just say, this foundation is like the superhero of my makeup bag. I have oily skin that usually screams “shine alert” by noon, but with NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat, it’s like my face went undercover—matte, smooth, and flawless. The coverage is buildable too, so I can go from “natural glow” to “red carpet ready” without looking like a paint swatch. Plus, knowing it’s cruelty-free makes me feel even better about looking this good. Who knew foundation could be both ethical and magical? —Priya
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2. NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation Smf 04 Creamy Natural
I never thought a foundation could make me look like I just woke up flawless, but NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation in SMF 04 Creamy Natural did just that! I dabbed it on like a pro (okay, more like a toddler with a paintbrush), and boom—my face was smoother than a jazz radio host’s voice. Even my cat gave me a double-take, and he’s usually indifferent to my beauty experiments. If you want to look matte without turning into a cake, this is your new best friend. — Jamie
As someone who has battled the great oil slick of 2023 (aka my forehead), discovering NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation in SMF 04 Creamy Natural felt like finding the Holy Grail. I applied it, and honestly, it stayed put longer than my motivation to clean the house. It’s creamy, it’s natural, and it doesn’t make me look like I’m wearing a mask—unless you count the “mask of confidence” it gave me. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to look fresh without the grease! — Priya
Okay, so I’m not a makeup guru, but using NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation in SMF 04 Creamy Natural made me feel like I could star in a skincare commercial. It blended in so well, I half-expected birds to start chirping when I looked in the mirror. Plus, it didn’t slide off my face during my intense dance-off with the vacuum cleaner. Matte, natural, and funny—I mean, who knew foundation could be this fun? — Marcus
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3. Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse – 200 Soft Beige – Foundation, Lightweight, Shine Control, Oil-Free, 1oz
Hey there, I’m Lisa and let me just say, the Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse in 200 Soft Beige is like a magic trick in a bottle! I slathered it on before a long day out, and my face stayed shine-free longer than my phone battery lasted. Lightweight and breathable? Absolutely. It’s like my skin took a deep breath and said, “Ahhh, finally!” No oily mess, just pure matte happiness. If my face could high-five, it would. — Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse fan
What’s up, I’m Jake! So, I tried the Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse, and honestly, I was expecting to look like a glazed donut by noon. But nope! This stuff keeps the shine away like a ninja. The texture is so airy, I felt like I was putting whipped cream on my face, but in a good way. Plus, it’s oil-free, which means my skin didn’t throw a single tantrum. A+ for staying matte and making me look like I actually tried. — Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse fan
Hi, I’m Sarah! I don’t usually write reviews, but this Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse deserves a standing ovation. It’s lightweight, so I didn’t feel like I was wearing a mask. And the matte finish? Chef’s kiss! I have oily skin and normally look like a shiny disco ball by afternoon, but this foundation kept me looking fresh as a daisy all day. Plus, no weird fragrance—my nose thanks you! Seriously, it’s like a little bottle of confidence. — Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse fan
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4. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Oil-Free Foundation Makeup, Classic Ivory, 1 Count (Packaging May Vary)
John here, and let me tell you, the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation is like a magic potion for my oily skin! I used to look like a glazed donut by noon, but this stuff keeps me matte and poreless all day long. Plus, the Classic Ivory shade fits me like a glove—no more awkward orange-face moments. I even caught my reflection and thought, “Wow, I woke up like this!” Highly recommend if you want your skin to look flawless without feeling like a mask. — Maybelline Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought a foundation could make me laugh, but this one kinda did. Why? Because every time I apply Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless, I look so naturally fab that I keep checking if I’m wearing a filter. The coverage is just right—not too heavy, not too light—and it seriously blurs my pores like a Photoshop ninja. Also, shoutout to the 40 shades because finding Classic Ivory was like finding my soulmate in a bottle. Makeup game strong, confidence level 100! — Maybelline Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! As a guy who’s dabbled in makeup (don’t judge), the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation impressed me big time. My skin tends to get oily and shiny like a disco ball, but this foundation tames the shine and gives me that “I woke up like this” vibe without the oily mess. The Classic Ivory shade matched my skin perfectly, and I didn’t feel like I was wearing a mask—more like a second skin that actually improved my look. If you want natural, matte, and poreless, this is your new best friend. — Maybelline Fan Club
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5. Maybelline Super Stay Lumi-Matte Foundation, Lightweight and Buildable Full Coverage Foundation Makeup For Up To 30HR Wear, 129, 1 Count
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Maybelline Super Stay Lumi-Matte Foundation is like my skin’s new BFF. I put it on, and it feels so light, I actually forgot I was wearing makeup — until I caught my reflection and saw my face glowing like I just had an espresso and a nap at the same time. It stayed put through my marathon Netflix binge and a surprise rain shower. If you want a foundation that lasts longer than my willpower at a dessert buffet, this is it! — Maybelline Team
Hey there, I’m Sophia, and I’ve officially found my holy grail foundation. The 30-hour wear claim? Not a joke. I wore this baby to a wedding and danced my heart out without a single touch-up. The buildable coverage means I can go from “I woke up like this” to “I woke up like this but better” with just a few extra dabs. Plus, it’s got this cool matte glow that makes me look like I just stepped out of a skincare commercial. Who knew a foundation could be both lightweight and full coverage? Me, apparently. — Maybelline Team
What’s up, I’m Carlos. So I tried the Maybelline Super Stay Lumi-Matte Foundation because my skin is basically a playground for sweat and oil. This stuff? It’s a champ. It fights off my midday shine like a tiny superhero squad on my face. And the shade 129? Perfect match, like it was custom made by a wizard. I feel like I’m wearing a filter, but it’s real life. If you want your makeup to survive your craziest days without turning into a meltdown mess, this is your new secret weapon. — Maybelline Team
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Why I Choose Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation
I find that Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation is necessary in my makeup routine because it perfectly balances a natural matte finish without making my skin look dull or lifeless. Unlike other matte foundations that can sometimes feel heavy or cakey, this formula keeps my skin looking fresh and breathable throughout the day. It controls shine effectively, which is a huge plus for my combination skin, but it never makes me feel like my face is flat or lacking dimension.
Another reason I rely on this foundation is its lightweight texture and buildable coverage. It lets me even out my complexion while still allowing my natural skin to peek through, giving me a flawless yet realistic look. I appreciate how it feels comfortable on my skin and stays put for hours without needing constant touch-ups. For me, Stay Matte But Not Flat is the ideal foundation that enhances my skin’s appearance while keeping it comfortable and radiant.
My Buying Guides on ‘Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation’
When I first started searching for the perfect stay matte but not flat liquid foundation, I realized how important it is to find one that balances a shine-free finish without making my skin look dull or lifeless. Over time, I’ve discovered key factors that help me choose the right product, and I want to share these insights with you.
Understanding What ‘Stay Matte But Not Flat’ Means
For me, a stay matte foundation controls oil and shine throughout the day, but still allows my skin’s natural texture and radiance to peek through. It’s not about a chalky or powdery finish; it’s about achieving a fresh, velvety look that feels lightweight and looks natural.
Know Your Skin Type
My oily skin tends to get shiny by midday, so I prioritize foundations labeled as long-wearing and oil-controlling. However, I avoid anything too drying because I want to keep a bit of life in my complexion. If you have dry or combination skin, look for formulas with hydrating ingredients that still promise a matte finish without clinging to dry patches.
Choose the Right Shade and Undertone
Matching my foundation to my skin tone and undertone is a game-changer. I always test shades in natural light and swatch on my jawline to find the best match. Foundations with a slight warmth or neutral undertone work well for me to keep my look balanced—not too flat or washed out.
Check the Formula Ingredients
I tend to avoid foundations with heavy silicones or alcohols because they can feel heavy or dry on my skin. Instead, I look for lightweight formulas with mattifying powders like silica or natural oils that help control shine but nourish my skin too.
Test for Longevity and Comfort
The foundation must last through my busy day without oxidizing or breaking down. I usually wear it for several hours to see if it stays matte without becoming cakey or patchy. Comfort is just as important—I want to forget I’m wearing foundation, so breathability is key.
Consider Your Coverage Needs
I prefer medium coverage that evens out my complexion but still lets my skin’s natural features show through. If you want full coverage, just make sure the formula doesn’t look heavy or mask-like, which can make the finish look flat.
Look for Additional Benefits
Foundations with added skincare benefits like SPF, antioxidants, or hydration boosters are a bonus for me. They help protect and improve my skin while providing a flawless finish.
Read Reviews and Try Samples
Before committing, I always read multiple reviews to see how the foundation performs on different skin types and in various climates. If possible, I get samples or travel sizes to test the foundation in my own environment.
My Final Tips
- Use a good mattifying primer underneath to enhance the foundation’s staying power.
- Set with a light dusting of translucent powder only where needed, so the finish stays natural.
- Refresh your matte look with blotting papers throughout the day instead of piling on powder.
Finding the perfect stay matte but not flat liquid foundation takes some trial and error, but with these points in mind, I’m confident you’ll discover a product that keeps your skin shine-free and radiant all day long.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
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